CH 12

November 23rd, 2022

These past few days, Fang Li had visited every part of Quqing Town where there was food to be eaten or entertainment to be had, leaving him quite satisfied. Although the demonic palace had every type of luxury one could think of, it was still somewhat desolate and remote…… Even a pay-to-win player needed some free-to-play players as NPCs to make a game fun, right?

As for Wu Yimei, at first he’d still been rigid and unable to relax, but he’d gradually become accustomed and stopped bringing up work matters. He was becoming more and more like a qualified party member.

Although it was only a world evolved from a book, it was more interesting than expected.

As Fang Li leisurely strolled back, a peddler’s cry rang out from the side of the road. “Banyan flower crystal cakes, a Linxian province specialty! Don’t miss out! It’s a Linxian province local specialty!”

Oh? Fang Li’s interest was suddenly piqued. Wasn’t Cloudbank Keep in Linxian province? He’d already been out for several days, and since he was pretending to dote on Xie Huai, it wouldn’t be good to return empty-handed, right? This “Linxian province local specialty” couldn’t be more fitting as a souvenir gift. As for why a streetside peddler from the Quqing Town that was ten thousand li away would be selling a so-called “Linxian province local specialty,” that wasn’t important, not important at all…… It was the thought that counted!

“Give me one,” Fang Li said, walking over.

The street peddler happily took the money and wrapped up the crystal cake to give to Fang Li, saying flatteringly, “Your crystal cake, sir. Come by again later!”

Wu Yimei’s expression sank slightly. These days, he was the only one by His Excellency’s side, to the point that he’d nearly forgotten that Xie Huai was the one His Excellency cared about. Just a single mention of “Linxian province” from a street peddler was enough for him to eagerly head over to buy Xie Huai a present.

As soon as he was done with his purchase, Fang Li saw Wu Yimei’s gloomy expression and couldn’t help but sigh. Wu Yimei was excellent on all accounts, except that he was too sensitive toward anything regarding Xie Huai. Fang Li coughed lightly and said meaningfully, “Don’t think too much. Xie Huai is just a chess piece, understand?”

The underlying meaning was, you’re the one that this lord trusts, so don’t squabble with a chess piece!

Wu Yimei pursed his lips and nodded slowly.

He wouldn’t refute Fang Li’s words. If Fang Li said Xie Huai was a chess piece, then Xie Huai could only be a chess piece, and as for him…… He wouldn’t give Xie Huai the chance to get a single step closer.

There was bound to be a day when he would kill Xie Huai. That way, the only one by His Excellency’s side would be him.

Fang Li didn’t know if Wu Yimei had really listened to him or was just pretending to agree. He shook his head and kept walking forward.

For better or for worse, Wu Yimei was still one of the top experts of the world, and his was potential limitless. What need was there to antagonize the protagonist? By that time, I’m afraid even I won’t be able to save you.

The only thing to fear in life was cutting off all of one’s paths forward.

Just when they were just about to arrive back at the inn, they saw a crowd of people by the side of the road surrounding someone, and the faint sound of sobbing coming from within the crowd.

After listening more closely, Fang Li understood that Rending Heart Gate’s people were snatching a commoner girl by force. Rending Heart Gate’s gatemaster had a problem, which was his lecherousness. He loved the new and hated the old, and he often had his subordinates plunder young men and women for him.

No wonder he hadn’t seen many good-looking passers-by on the streets these days, and those on the streets had been mostly elderly or middle-aged.

The demonic cultivator hauled a young woman in the prime of her youth, impatiently saying to the elderly woman to the side, “The gatemaster has always been generous, and his interest in your daughter is your good fortune. Tomorrow, she’ll be brought back to you. Here, take these ten taels of gold.”

Ten taels of gold was truly no small sum. In a place like this where lives were like weeds, it was enough to buy a human life. Calling it “generous” wasn’t incorrect, but it was just a pity…… the other party wasn’t willing.

Fang Li indicated with his eyes for Wu Yimei to remain, then squeezed into the crowd by himself to head over. The demonic cultivator immediately noticed Fang Li, and his expression abruptly became cold. There was someone who dared to meddle in their business in Rending Heart Gate’s territory?

Fang Li had a smile in his eyes as he cordially spoke up. “Sir, what do you think of me? I’m willing to recommend myself to attend in bed, but one night will be a hundred taels of gold.”

The demonic cultivator startled, his anger lodged firmly in his throat as he stared at Fang Li blankly.

Once he started staring, he couldn’t move his gaze away. Although this person was a little on the older side, seemingly in his twenties, and looked rather sickly…… Each of his movements and gestures had a noble bearing, and his pale and melancholy yet exquisite features unexpectedly had a unique flavor to them. Just standing there, he made the young woman suddenly seem dim and colorless, like dust on the ground. It was truly a rare level of beauty. Looking at his appearance, he seemed like someone from a grand sect or a rich household. Quqing Town didn’t have a single person with a high-quality appearance like that.

Fang Li said leisurely, “My household fell into hardship, and I’ve been wandering until now. I only had this thought after seeing how generous the gatemaster is. If this price won’t work, then I won’t disturb any longer.”

Having said that, he turned to leave.

The demonic cultivator immediately released the young woman and quickly stepped forward to block Fang Li. Half courteously and half threateningly, he smiled and said, “A mere hundred taels of gold, the gatemaster won’t be stingy. Young master, please come with me.”

Fang Li immediately exposed a smile, saying, “Alright.”

Seeing Fang Li leave with the demonic cultivator, Wu Yimei’s silhouette vanished into the crowd. With His Excellency catching them unawares and using this kind of method to enter Rending Heart Gate, they wouldn’t have to fear that Rending Heart Gate’s gatemaster would be notified in advance and flee.

Rending Heart Gate’s encampment was built by modifying the old High Mountain Sect. Due to overseeing the mining of the spirit stone quarry, the number of people had increased greatly, so the area of the sect had expanded greatly compared to before.

In a courtyard near the back of the sect, the Rending Heart Gate gatemaster was sitting on a reclining chair, surrounded by beautiful servant women who were eagerly attending him. Only, the Rending Heart Gate gatemaster’s enthusiasm was lacking, and he had an impatient expression on his face.

The crowd of demonic cultivators around them stood on tenterhooks, afraid to make a sound. The gatemaster didn’t like the commonplace types, and his favorites were pure and unsullied virgins, so all the young men and women with acceptable looks within a hundred li had pretty much been snatched once. These days, each and every household was on high alert, and trying to find a decent virgin was becoming harder and harder. Plus, the gatemaster hated repetition to the extreme, and he refused to taste even the most beautiful finds a second time. It was truly a predicament for these scurrying underlings.

The Rending Heart Gate gatemaster waved his hand and knocked over the glass of wine in a servant’s hand. He gestured for a demonic cultivator to approach, saying angrily, “A bunch of trash. If you can’t find anyone, don’t you know how to increase the reward? As long as there’s enough money, you think those cheap commoners won’t offer themselves up?”

The demonic cultivator agreed obsequiously, giving a mocking smile. “No more than some mere bumpkins. We’re giving them face but they don’t even want it. What need is there to give them money? This subordinate will search door to door and seize all of the beauties to present to the gatemaster to enjoy!”

In the eyes of demonic cultivators, those common folk couldn’t even count as human, to be beaten or slaughtered at will. Giving them money was actually quite unusual.

The Rending Heart Gate gatemaster smashed a wine cup at him and said unhappily, “A moron is a moron! Even pigs in a pen have to be raised until they’re fat before they’re slaughtered. If you go plundering from door to door like that and scare them all off, how are you going to find anyone to snatch later? Something that a little bit of mortal gold can solve, you want to spend that much effort on. Don’t you even understand not to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs?”

Fang Li arrived just in time to hear those words and deeply agreed. No wonder the demonic cultivator from before had still given money when seizing that commoner woman by force. He hadn’t expected the Rending Heart Gate gatemaster to have some skill.

Every time he snatched a young man or woman, he’d send them back after a night and would even give plenty of gold as recompense…… Most people would swallow their anger, and there would even occasionally be those who coveted wealth and would offer up their sons and daughters voluntarily. Because of this, after more than a year, nearly all of the somewhat attractive young men and women in the vicinity of Quqing Town had been defiled once by the Rending Heart Gate gatemaster……

Although these actions were completely outrageous, since enough money was given and there was no fatal danger, the common folk felt that they could still hang in there and make do, and it wasn’t bad enough for them to feel like gathering their entire families to flee.

It was only a pity for those children who had been defiled.

The demonic cultivator who had brought Fang Li entered briskly and said flatteringly, “Gatemaster, I’ve brought someone back for you.”

Such high-quality goods, you could search for a long time without finding one…… The gatemaster was sure to be pleased. The demonic cultivator looked at the gatemaster with anticipation, then saw the gatemaster suddenly stand up.

No way, he was that excited?

The next second, he saw the gatemaster plop to the ground, kneeling and bowing staggeringly, his words coming out in a stammer. “Your, Y-y-your, Y-your Excellency…… H-h-how did you have time t-t-t-o honor us with your p-p-presence, w-w-without even s-s-s-sending w-word……”

The demonic cultivator in front of Fang Li slowly, gradually, stiffly turned his head, the look in his eyes as he looked at Fang Li terrified beyond comparison. The g-g-gatemaster, what had he called him?

Fang Li put his hands behind his back. His expression was mild, and he nodded with a smile. “You may rise. It was on the way. No need to be nervous.”

The Rending Heart Gate gatemaster trembled as he stood up, asking cautiously, “Your, Your Excellency…… This visit, do, do you have any orders?”

“Not quite an order,” Fang Li smiled blandly, his lips curling upwards. “This lord suddenly felt that sentence just now was very reasonable. Pigs in a pen have to be raised until they’re fat before they’re slaughtered. So this lord came to ask, those spirit stones that you owe this lord, when do you plan to return them? You should’ve collected quite a bit by now, right?”

In the Rending Heart Gate gatemaster’s eyes, the common folk were like dogs and pigs. In the demon lord Yan Sui’s eyes, in what way was he not also a dog or a pig?

The Rending Heart Gate gatemaster’s face was ghastly white. He turned and transformed into a ray of light to flee, but just as he scurried away, he was fiercely lashed back with the strike of a whip, tumbling to Fang Li’s feet.

Wu Yimei leapt down from the eaves, a long whip in his hand. The expression in his dark red eyes was ice-cold and gloomy.

Fang Li pulled back, and Wu Yimei immediately commanded his people to surround the area, ensuring that even a fly wouldn’t be able to escape.

Fang Li walked forward leisurely, one foot stepping on top of the gatemaster’s hand. He lowered his eyes and smiled. “Things that are owed to this lord have to be returned with interest.”

……………………………………………

Xie Huai sat in the room of the side palace hall, the letter in his hand burning away.

Thanks to Fang Li’s attitude, the Cloudbank Keep disciples’ actions nearby hadn’t ever been interrupted, and they’d already joined hands with Feng Yin. These days, information from outside flowed in without end. Fang Li hadn’t concealed any of his movements during this trip, so Xie Huai knew everything he’d done like the back of his hand.

After leaving the mountain, Fang Li had first enjoyed the scenery for a couple of days, then had suddenly gone to Rending Heart Gate and destroyed the gatemaster with thunderous force, ordering for his corpse to be suspended naked outside the sect gate. After that, he’d ordered Wu Yimei to take charge of the spirit stone quarry…… Normally, he didn’t act, but once he did act, he struck Du Meng to the bone.

These days, Hollow Ridge was filled with vigorous discussion. Everyone was anxious, and they were all guessing at Fang Li’s intentions…… But Xie Huai recalled that person’s usual indolent appearance and faintly felt that handling Rending Heart Gate might have just been a roadside stop, and only enjoying the scenery was real.

These days, Fang Li and Wu Yimei were inseparable, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Perhaps they’d already had so much fun they’d forgotten about coming back.

The corner of Xie Huai’s mouth pulled lightly.

But there was nothing odd about any of that. Wu Yimei was the person he trusted the most. In front of Wu Yimei, he didn’t need to pretend, unlike with Xie Huai…… All of it was nothing more than an empty display of love.

Sincere and insincere feelings could be told apart at a glance. Those two were actually mutually trusting companions, unlike with him, where it was just fake civility.

Xie Huai pinched at the paper ashes in his hand, his expression detached. These days, he had been attacking the seal without rest. By now, his cultivation had recovered to almost a third, and breaking through the seal likely wouldn’t take too much longer. When the time came……

Xie Huai’s expression suddenly became frigid. He got up and pushed the door open to exit, then looked at the uninvited guest in front.

Du Meng was dressed all in black, melting into the night scenery as he stole into the side hall without a sound.

The candlelight in the side hall had long gone out, but as soon as he’d entered just now, he’d felt a sharp gaze fall onto him. The white-robed man was standing calmly under the eaves of the hall, looking at him with indifferent eyes as if he’d been waiting for a long time already.

Du Meng was a little surprised. It was said that Xie Huai’s cultivation had been sealed by Soul-Sealing Pins. According to reason, he shouldn’t have discovered him this quickly…… Could it have just been a coincidence?

He narrowed his eyes and sized up the other party pensively.

He’d seen Fang Li’s favoritism toward Xie Huai these days. At first, he’d been a bit skeptical. He knew deeply how cold-blooded and emotionless that fellow was; he was a madman without humanity, not like someone whose heart would be moved at all. But he couldn’t doubt everything he’d seen and heard in this period of time.

That Fang Li could go this far for Xie Huai meant that at the very least, Xie Huai stood out from the crowd to him.

Not long ago, Fang Li had brought Wu Yimei to launch a surprise attack on Rending Heart Gate. Not only had he taken control of the spirit stone quarry and confiscated the spirit stones that Rending Heart Gate had embezzled, he’d also had the Rending Heart Gate gatemaster’s corpse suspended naked above the sect gate…… Each and every one of these moves were aimed at Du Meng.

The look at the bottom of Du Meng’s eyes was ice-cold. At the thought of how he was going to drag that arrogant fellow down from his throne and fiercely torment him until he cried and pleaded…… It struck his heart with a persistent itch and a bit of anticipation.

But since Fang Li dared to act like this, he would certainly be on guard against him, and he hadn’t yet grasped the details of Fang Li’s abilities. Acting rashly might be playing precisely into his hands…… But Xie Huai wasn’t a bad breakthrough point.

Right now, Xie Huai’s cultivation was sealed, and he also fully received Fang Li’s favor. Perhaps Fang Li wouldn’t be on guard against him.

Previously, Fang Li had been at Xie Huai’s side day after day, preventing Du Meng from finding a chance to approach. This time, Fang Li had left the mountain for once, and Du Meng had decided to seize this opportunity to come see Xie Huai.

Du Meng stepped forward directly, his expression sincere as he said in a low voice, “This subordinate has taken the liberty of paying a visit for only one reason—to ask Yuyi-jun to lend a hand.”

Xie Huai’s expression was indifferent. “These days I’m imprisoned and have my hands full with my own matters. I’m afraid I won’t be of help.”

But Du Meng maintained an appearance of genuine sincerity, his voice full of sorrow. “Yuyi-jun is such a noble and upright character, yet you have to suffer this kind of humiliation and torment from that brat. Even this one can’t bear to watch…… Even though today’s visit is nominally to ask for Yuyi-jun’s help, this one actually also wants to lend a hand to Yuyi-jun.”

Xie Huai revealed an attentive expression. “Oh?”

Du Meng said slowly, “These days, Yan Sui’s attention has all been fixed on you, and he might be less on guard against you. This one has a vial of poison. Yuyi-jin need only apply it to his food, and this one can help Yuyi-jun escape that demon’s hands.”

The corner of Xie Huai’s lips lifted as he said, “Sire is also among the famed and illustrious demonic cultivators. How can I trust that you’re aiding me sincerely, rather than using me to scheme for the position of demon lord?”

“This one acknowledges that he does have the intention of taking the demon lord’s position……” Du Meng said magnanimously, “But that brat has truly been too outrageous. These days, from my point of view, the position of demon lord isn’t as important as taking that brat’s life. I won’t hide it from Yuyi-jun, but right now there are many all over Hollow Ridge who are dissatisfied with him. Even if you and I have different standpoints, at least regarding the matter at hand, we have the same goal—that is, we both want him to die. As long as we can kill that brat, I can promise to retreat three thousand li to recover and recuperate and not to engage in battle with the righteous sects. This is truly a mutually beneficial agreement. Hopefully, Yuyi-jun will give it some proper consideration.”

As expected. Xie Huai’s expression didn’t change, but derision flashed through his eyes.

Du Meng’s words were half true and half false. He sure hadn’t concealed his raging ambition to seize the throne…… But the so-called retreating three thousand li was impossible.

If he hadn’t interacted with Fang Li, from Xie Huai’s point of view, both of these people were merely two sides of the same coin, neither of them trustworthy. He might as well let them go at each other’s throats.

But right now Xie Huai trusted at least one thing, which was that Fang Li wouldn’t arbitrarily engage in war…… but Du Meng was more wild and ambitious, his greed insatiable. If he was really allowed to take control of Hollow Ridge, that would truly be an even greater calamity for the righteous sects and for the entire world.

Besides, even if he wanted to kill Fang Li, he wouldn’t stoop to using poison, and even less would he join hands with Du Meng.

Xie Huai didn’t want to pay attention to Du Meng and was about to leave, but he suddenly recalled the expression Du Meng had had when looking at Fang Li that day in the grand palace hall—a savage, bloodthirsty expression like a wild beast staring at its prey. Did he really only plan to kill Fang Li……?

Xie Huai’s footsteps halted, and his eyes wavered. He said coolly, “Does Sire trust me so much that you aren’t afraid I’ll inform him about today?”

The reason Du Meng had dared to come today was because he was certain that Xie Huai wouldn’t tell Fang Li.

Xie Huai was being coerced by Yan Sui, and his personality was proud and aloof. He even had the blood feud of his sect between him and Yan Sui, so how could he willingly comply with Yan Sui? So even if he didn’t agree to cooperate, he definitely wouldn’t side with Fang Li. Since that was the case, what need was there to ask that?

Du Meng fixed his gaze on Xie Huai for half a day, only seeing Xie Huai’s cold and indifferent expression. He was only unwilling to trust Du Meng and was trying to sound him out, that was all.

Du Meng smiled. “This one knows that Yuyi-jun has some misgivings, but this one is sincere.These days, only this one can help you. Yuyi-jun shouldn’t rush to refuse. You can inform this one after some proper consideration.”

Having said that, he turned and disappeared into the night.

Xie Huai coldly retrieved his gaze, lowering his eyes. The embers left over from burning the letter still lingered on his fingertips…… Do you know that Du Meng has already made his move?

……………………………………………

With Wu Yimei’s cold-blooded methods, purging Rending Heart Gate only took a trifling two days’ effort until he had uprooted all of Du Meng’s forces and planted his own trusted aides.

With such a capable subordinate, Fang Li had nothing to do and idled about until another two days had passed and he’d received Wu Yimei’s secret report.

The secret guard that Wu Yimei had left at Hollow Ridge reported that Du Meng had covertly met with Xie Huai, but since the guard didn’t dare to get too close, he didn’t know what they’d said.

In the original book, because Wu Yimei had been worried about Xie Huai enthralling Yan Sui, he’d wanted to eliminate Xie Huai, so he’d constantly hinted that Xie Huai and Du Meng were secretly joining hands…… But this time, Wu Yimei only described the account in its entirety, giving the report without the slightest hint of bias.

Although it was only a tiny, tiny change, Fang Li was fully gratified. He had faith that under his guidance, Wu Yimei wouldn’t go seeking the path of his own demise again.

After Wu Yimei was done speaking, he stood there calmly, waiting for Fang Li’s orders. Although Du Meng and Xie Huai’s conversation hadn’t been heard clearly, Xie Huai’s conduct was open and upright, and it was unlikely that he would agree to Du Meng. What he could think of, His Excellency could certainly think of as well. If he tried to add oil to the fire to sow discontent, it might make His Excellency despise him for Xie Huai’s sake……

His Excellency didn’t like it when he targeted Xie Huai, so he had to carefully conceal his thoughts. At least, he shouldn’t try to act clever during these sorts of matters, repeatedly disobeying His Excellency and causing His Excellency to feel ill will toward him.

Fang Li propped up his chin and pondered for a bit.

In the original book, Yan Sui had also found out about this matter from Wu Yimei. Although Yan Sui had been clear in his heart that Xie Huai couldn’t possibly sink into the mire with Du Meng, he had still returned in a tyrannical state, interrogating Xie Huai. Naturally, Xie Huai felt it beneath him to explain things to him, leading to cough cough cough…… Another section of intense forceful love.

Other than manufacturing this bout of conflict and giving Yan Sui another reason to consume meat in a florid manner, this matter hadn’t had much of an effect on the plot. In Fang Li’s eyes, it could completely be categorized as—a useless plot point.

During this period of time, he and Xie Huai had been interacting harmoniously. Since he didn’t intend to papapa, and he also didn’t plan to forcefully manufacture misunderstandings, what useless plot points could be cut, should be cut. Fang Li didn’t plan to seek out a confrontation with Xie Huai, but according to the schedule, it was still about time for him to return.

Fang Li smiled and got up. “Let’s return.”

Anyways, the situation in Quqing Town was coming to a close, and his actions this time had not only intimidated a bunch of restless fellows but had also ferociously carved out a piece of Du Meng’s blood and flesh. It could be considered killing two birds with one stone, and staying any longer had no meaning.

After a quarter hour, Fang Li arrived back at Hollow Ridge.

He sent Wu Yimei off and headed in the direction of the side palace by himself.

These days, there were plenty of eyes on him, so he naturally needed to go hang around at Xie Huai’s to show his affection. Plus, hadn’t he even brought a gift? If he didn’t hand it over soon, it was going to go bad.

These days, Xie Huai spent his days in seclusion and rarely came out. There weren’t any secret areas in the demonic palace, and he’d gotten a grasp on Fang Li’s character. In order to restore his cultivation as soon as possible, he’d pretty much locked himself inside his room.

At nightfall that day, the desolate side palace once again started bustling with activity. Xie Huai slowly turned his head to look toward the doorway. As expected, he saw Fang Li hurrying over.

His robes had faint traces of dust from the road, so he most likely hadn’t stopped to rest yet and had come directly here.

Xie Huai’s throat overflowed with a low and cold laugh.

What, you think Du Meng has taken the bait, so you don’t plan on pretending anymore?

As soon as Fang Li entered, he saw Xie Huai’s cold and indifferent expression. He didn’t so much as raise his eyelids, and he emitted an aura that repelled all life by a thousand li…… Fang Li couldn’t help but startle for a moment. He’d just gone out for a week, how come it was like all their progress had vanished overnight?

Had he done anything to offend Xie Huai?

Fang Li had a rare moment of bewilderment, but after thinking it over, he’d done more than enough things to offend Xie Huai; he wouldn’t even be able to count them all on one hand. Xie Huai’s coldness was the normal state of things, he didn’t need a reason not to like him!

Fang Li retrieved the crystal cake wrapped in wrinkly oiled paper from his storage ring. He unwrapped it and pushed it forward with a light cough. “It’s a Linxian province local specialty, for you.”

Xie Huai lowered his eyes to stare at the pastry on the table. His expression finally changed just a hair.

Hah, you want to bribe me with a little bit of favor? What a sham.

Fang Li cautiously gave Xie Huai a glance. He also thought he might have been a little too perfunctory, uh…… Anyways, everyone had already seen that he’d come to see Xie Huai. Fang Li reached out his hand to take away the crystal cake and was about to make a swift exit, but just as he reached out his hand, he saw two long, slender, jade-like fingers lightly press down a corner of the oiled paper.

Fang Li’s movements paused. “?”

Xie Huai was silent for a moment, then lifted the crystal cake.

The crystal cake was clumsily made with crude ingredients, and the aroma was cloyingly sweet. Xie Huai furrowed his brow and took a bite. It was dry in his mouth and truly difficult to swallow…… What a joke, since when did their Linxian province have a local specialty like this? Hadn’t this devil just been swindled?

Fang Li looked at Xie Huai blankly.

He’d thought Xie Huai would act as if he hadn’t seen it, or maybe ruthlessly throw it away, and then give him a “Don’t you have any self-awareness?” kind of expression, but…… Xie Huai had only reluctantly and disdainfully…… taken a bite?

What exactly was the meaning of this?

Forget it, who cared what it meant, it didn’t matter. Just as Fang Li was about to leave……

Xie Huai slowly raised his eyes, looking at him coolly and indifferently, enunciating word by word, “You don’t have anything, you want to ask me?”

……………………………………………

The Author Has Something to Say:

Fang Li: After going out to play, I must remember to bring home a present for the wife. Husbandly virtue MAX

Xie Huai: Although he seems to have been swindled and bought a fake, I should still reluctantly eat it. Wifely virtue MAX+10086

Wu Yimei: Who am I where am I? Where is the killing intent coming from?